In South Asia, where the burden of enteric fever is thought to be highest, most typhoid studies have focused on urban areas. As a result, researchers have been unsure how well available data could be extrapolated to predominantly rural areas.

In September, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation released the inaugural “Goalkeepers” report – an annual update aimed at accelerating progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report tracks 18 data points selected from the 244 indicators in the SDGs that are “fundamental to people’s health and wellbeing.”

New typhoid conjugate vaccines offer important advantages over prior vaccines, including the ability to protect young children, longer lasting protection, and the potential to be a part of routine immunization of infants.